Deviled Egg Jewelry Holder

Lily Formato

"Devield Egg Jewerly Holder"

Red Clay, Food and Dishwasher/safe

Created while studying in the “Funk Ceramics” course at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this larger-sized deviled egg dish draws on both personal history and the playful, unconventional spirit of funk art. Growing up in Wytheville, Virginia, Lily often encountered deviled eggs at family gatherings and church functions in nearby Marion—so often, in fact, that she developed a certain disdain for them. This piece reclaims that memory, transforming an object of over-familiarity into a work of art with new purpose.

Handbuilt from red clay and low-fired for a warm, earthy base, the dish is finished with a smooth pink glaze that nods to funk’s vibrant, expressive palette. While it can still serve its intended culinary role, Lily often uses it as a ring or earring dish on her vanity, where its form becomes both functional and sculptural.

This work blends personal narrative, regional culture, and art history, creating a one-of-a-kind object that is as much a conversation starter as it is a versatile household piece.